Below is an annotated list of children's literature for the elementary classroom. The books are organized by the Six Elements of Social Justice Curriculum Design (Picower, 2007). It is based on work by pre-service teachers at Montclair State University. They have read and reviewed these books and provided insights into how they can be used in K-5 settings.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Henry's Freedom Box

Henry’s Freedom Box is a true story about an African
American slave named Henry. Henry was born into a slave family and worked in a factory since he was a young boy. When his master became ill, he sold Henry
to his son. Henry was scared to work for a new master because he was separated
from his family. With his new master, Henry continued to work hard and do as
he was told. Years later something wonderful happened. Henry met Nancy, a
female slave on the plantation, and fell in love. After getting permission from
their master, Henry and his love got married and had three children. When
Henry’s children were old enough to work their master sold them and Nancy to
another slave owner. When Henry found the news he was devastated. Henry’s
heartache and suffering led him to take action. He decided he would move north,
but how? Henry packed him self in a crate and had his kind white friend ship
him to Philadelphia. After a long journey, Henry safely arrived in PA and hopes
to continue to live a free life.

Element
#3: Exploring Issues of Social Injustice

This book is a good example of the heartache and
suffering African American slaves went through during slavery in America. It
teaches students that slaves never had a choice in any aspect of their lives.
This book has good examples of slave trade and how it could affect an entire
family. It also shows the role that Northern America had during slavery. It
teaches students that North America was free of slavery at this time, and that
slaves would go through great struggles to reach the north and get their
freedom. The story of Henry was a great story for element 3 and had the right
amount of tragedy and emotion to be educational and age appropriate.

Follow
up Activity:

After
reading this book, students can predict what Henry did one he was reached Philadelphia.
They may predict either that he found his family, or got a job doing what he
loved, etc. This can be a great writing prompt in which they can write a sequel
to Henry’s journey as an African American slave living in North America. By
researching this time period they can learn that although slaves were free in
the north, life was still very difficult them.

You
can also extend the lesson and discuss what other slaves did in order to reach
freedom in the North. This can be a good transition into discussing the Underground
Railroad and the historic legends who risked their lives to travel north.